Algerian President Calls for Death Penalty as Wildfires Devastate Regions
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is demanding the re‑introduction of the death penalty for the most serious arson cases, following a swarming wave of forest fires that have already killed at least twelve civilians and left thousands displaced in northern Algeria.
In a public statement, he ordered the ministry of justice to draft amendments to the criminal code by 15 September that would enable a capital sentence for those who deliberately ignite forested areas. While capital punishment remains on the books for various crimes, the country has yet to carry out an execution since 1993.
More than 100 uncontrolled blazes erupted in recent days amid a stark heatwave, though 18 of the latest fires were extinguished within the preceding 24 hours. The president also confirmed that the authorities were probing possible foul play, remarking that the intensity of the flames may have hidden negligence.
Corollary measures include government compensation to affected families, repair of damaged homes, and further investigations into the total impact of the fires. Climate change is cited as a factor that has amplified the severity of local wildfire events.
